ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
The Vice-president, Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar today highlighted that Uniform Civil Code will bind Bharat & its nationalism more effectively, and emphasized that "any further delay in implementation of UCC will be corrosive to our values."
Addressing the 25th convocation of IIT Guwahati today, the vice President stressed that Directive Principles of State Policy  are 'fundamental in governance of the country' and it's the duty of the State to make them into rules. Mentioning that many DPSPs e.g. panchayats, cooperatives & Right to Education have already been translated into law, he underlined that it was time to implement Article 44 of the Constitution.
Cautioning against the attempts to tarnish the image of India and "frequent orchestration of anti-national narratives," Shri Dhankar stressed, “It is high time choreographers of anti-Bharat narrative orchestration are effectively rebuffed.”
The Vice-Presiden also pointed out that “no foreign entity can be allowed to tweak with our sovereignty and reputation."Describing India as the oldest, largest, most functional & vibrant democracy that is giving stability to global peace & harmony, VP stressed, "We can not suffer dent on our flourishing and blossoming democracy and constitutional institutions."
Noting that there is zero tolerance to corruption now, he called for making a corruption free society. "Corruption is anti- democratic, corruption is poor governance, corruption runs down our growth… a corruption free society is the safest guarantee to your growth trajectory," he said. Shri Dhankhar also expressed his disapproval of some people ``taking to streets rather than taking recourse to lawful process" when they are held up for corruption.
The Vice-President also asked the students to take pride in being Indians and its historical achievements. He also wanted them to be committed towards economic nationalism and refrain from making fiscal gains at the cost of the nation and nationalism. He also reminded students the valuable words of visionary personality Dr. B R Ambedkar - “You should be Indian first, Indian last and nothing else but Indians."
In his convocation address, Shri Dhankar also invited the attention of the students towards the need of being tolerant. "We should also consider other point of view, as more often than not, other point of view is the correct point of view," he said.
Earlier in the day, VP along with Smt  Sudesh Dhankhar visited and prayed at the renowned Maa Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. Later, he had an interaction with the students of IIT Guwahati.
Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chairman Board of governors, IIT Guwahati, Dr. Rajeev Modi, Director IIT Guwahati, Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, senior faculty members, students and other dignitaries were also present.
To Read full text of the Vice-President’s Address at the 25th Convocation of IIT Guwahati click
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India crosses a Significant Milestone
Active Cases continue to be less than 10 lakh for Two Unbroken Weeks
India has crossed a landmark milestone. The active cases has been maintained the below the 10 lakh mark for 14 days unabated.
For two straight weeks today, the active cases are less than 1 million .
The Centre-led strategies of “TEST TRACK TRACE TREAT TECHNOILOGY” have been followed by the State/UT governments, as part of the Whole of Government approach. Early identification of the cases through aggressive and accessible countrywide testing combined with other measures such as prompt and efficient tracking and tracing of the contacts have borne results. The Centre has issued the Standard Treatment Protocol which has ensured a standardised standard of treatment and cure across various hospitals and health facilities, public and private.
76,737 recoveries have been registered in the last 24 hours in the country whereas the new confirmed cases stand at 74,442. The new recoveries have exceeded the new cases in the recent days.
India’s total recoveries stands at 55,86,703 today.
The higher number of single day recoveries has resulted in sustained increase in the national recovery rate, currently pegged at 84.34%.
75% of new recovered cases are recorded in 10 States and UTs. Maharashtra alone has contributed more than 15,000 to the new recovered cases followed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh with more than 7,000 cases each.
The active cases in India are 9,34,427. As on date, the active cases contribute only 14.11% to the positive caseload of the country. This is following a progressively downward trend.
10 States/UTs account for 77% of the active cases.
A total of 74,442 new confirmed cases have been reported in the last 24 hours in the country.
78% of the new cases are concentrated in ten States/UT. Maharashtra has reported more than 12,000 of the new cases. Karnataka contributed more than 10,000.
903 deaths have been registered in the past 24 hours. 82% of new fatalities are reported from 10 States and UTs.
36% of deaths reported yesterday are from Maharashtra with 326 deaths followed by Karnataka with 67 deaths.
Special Service and Features
Union MoS Dr L Murugan condoles the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr L Murugan today expressed condolences over the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on 8 December, 2021.
In a tweet in Tamil, Dr Murugan said, "I was saddened to know the passing away of Group Captain Varun Singh who was getting medical treatment after sustaining injuries in the chopper crash in Coonoor. I extend my deep condolences to his family. I pray for his soul to rest in peace. Om Shanti."
Group Captain Varun Singh who was being treated for severe burns died this morning. Announcing this, an Indian Air Force statement said, "The IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of brave heart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on 08 Dec 21. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family."
Cabinet
Cabinet approves transfer of land of HMT Watches Limited
Cabinet approves transfer of land of HMT Watches Limited
(The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the following proposals of Department of Heavy Industry:
- Transfer of HMT Watches Ltd, land at Banglaore and Tumkur measuring 208.35 acres, to Indian Space Research Organization  on payment of Rs. 1194.21 crore and applicable taxes and duties.
- Transfer of Bangalore  land of HMT Ltd. measuring one acre to Gas Authority of India Limited  on payment of Rs.34.30 crore and applicable taxes and duties.
The proceeds from sale of land will be deposited by the Company in Government Accounts against the loans and advances, after meeting the immediate liabilities and accounting for tax liabilities arising out of the transaction.
Background:
HMT Watches Ltd. which was pioneer in manufacturing watches for the common Indian citizen and was once known as Time keepers of India, had to close its operations due to mounting losses with no scope for revival in the current competitive economic scenario. It was decided to be closed down in January, 2016 with offer of attractive VRS/VSS to all their employees. The employees at Banglore and Tumkur availed this Golden Handshake scheme approved by Govt of India and went home happily.
The sale / transfer of land of HMT Watches Ltd., a Central Public Sector Enterprise at Bangalore and Tumkur to other Central Govt. entities viz. ISRO and GAIL will free the productive resources and ensure better utilisation of the scarce land resources in larger public interest.
Ministry of Defence
VICE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF PROCEEDS ON A VISIT TO MALAYSIA
Lieutenant General BS Raju, the Vice Chief of Army Staff  has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia from 08 to 10 December 2022. During the visit, the Vice Chief will take forward the excellent defence cooperation between India and Malaysia through multiple meetings with senior military and civilian leadership of the country.
The VCOAS is scheduled to call on the Deputy Chief of Malaysian Army and Chief of Staff of Malaysian Armed Forces, where he will exchange ideas on issues of mutual interest. He will also engage in extensive discussions with CEO Malaysian Institute of Defence & Strategic Studies. On 09 November 2022, the VCOAS will witness various training activities of the ongoing joint ‘Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI’ and interact with the troops.
The visit of the VCOAS will further deepen the bilateral relationships between the two Armies and act as a catalyst for closer coordination and cooperation between the two countries on a host of strategic issues.
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Election Commission
ECI bids farewell to Sh Ashok Lavasa
ECI also releases Volume VI of Landmark Judgments, a Compendium of Judgments
Election Commission of India today bade a warm farewell to outgoing Election Commissioner Sh Ashok Lavasa who is moving on to take up the prestigious assignment as Vice-President, Asian Development Bank at Manila, Philippines. Sh Ashok Lavasa had joined ECI as Election Commissioner on the 23rd of January 2018 and would hold the office of the Election Commission till 31st August 2020.
Bidding him farewell, CEC Sh Sunil Arora wished Sh Ashok Lavasa the very best ahead for meeting bigger challenges and achieving more milestones. He mentioned that ECI’s loss is ADB’s gain where Sh. Lavasa's competence would now be available at the wider multilateral platform for the daunting task of restructuring economies in post-Covid scenario.
On the occasion, Election Commissioner Sh. Sushil Chandra in his speech appreciated the working of Sh. Ashok Lavasa in Ministry of Finance earlier. He specially applauded Sh Lavasa for his guidance in framing of broad guidelines for elections to be held in Covid times.
Sh. Ashok Lavasa said he would remember his two and a half year stint at the Commission as a memorable experience. He acknowledged that it was a difficult choice for him whether to continue in ECI or move on to the global canvas of ADB.
The Commission also bid farewell to outgoing Director Sh Vikram Batra, Director Election Expenditure as he returns to his cadre after completing his term at Election Commission of India.
Volume VI of Landmark Judgments, a compendium of judgments delivered by Hon’ble Supreme Court and various High Courts from January 2017 to May 2019, that is, till the conclusion of Lok Sabha General Election 2019, was also released today. Commission released its e-version also https://eci.gov.in/ebooks/landmark-judgment/index.html for wider reach. It consists of 29 significant judgments covering various aspects of electoral process like nomination, affidavit, EVM VVPAT, Model Code of Conduct, corrupt practices and other related matters. This volume also lists the judgments already published by ECI in previous five volumes of Landmark Judgments. Additionally, the volume also lists 632 cases filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble High Courts during the period leading to General Election, 2019.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora in his message said “I harbour the sanguine hope that this publication would further illuminate us about the domain of election law and embolden the officials concerned to execute the gigantic exercise by taking solace in the fact that their actions have consistently earned the approbation of judiciary.”
Sh. Ashok Lavasa, Election Commissioner, in his message said “This volume will broaden understanding of the laws governing the vast electoral exercise of our country.”
Sh. Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner, in his remarks hoped that this volume will benefit all citizens of the country in understanding the election process.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves agreement on Audio Visual Co-Production between India and Bangladesh
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the agreement on Audio Visual Co-Production India and Bangladesh.
Salient features of the Agreement
· The Agreement would cover co-production of films, documentaries, and animations films.
· An audio-visual co-production made in accordance with the proposed Agreement shall be entitled to all the benefits which may be accorded to any national audio-visual work by both countries in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.
· It will lead to exchange of art and culture among the two countries and create goodwill and better understanding among the peoples of both the countries.
· Co-productions provide an opportunity to create and showcase our soft power.
· It leads to generation of employment among artistic, technical as well as non-technical personnel engaged in the arena of Audio-Visual Co- production including post-production and its marketing, thus adding to the Gross Domestic Product  of both the countries.
· The utilization of Indian locales for shooting raises the visibility / prospect of India as a preferred film shooting destination across the globe.
India has so far entered into audio-visual co-production agreements with Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Canada, China and the Republic of Korea.
Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman holds review meeting on CAPEX for Civil Aviation and Telecommunications
To give a fillip to capital expenditure  and infrastructure progress in the country, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chaired review meetings with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Department of Telecommunications here today.
The review meetings were attended by Secretary , Secretary , Secretary , Joint Secretaries , Joint Secretary & Finance Advisers of Civil Aviation and Telecom amongst others.
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chaired review meetings with Ministry of Civil Aviation and Department of Telecommunications in New Delhi today.
The Finance Minister emphasised that there must be an accelerated phase of infrastructure development and Ministries must continuously make concerted efforts to ensure that project implementation is fast-tracked.
During the meeting, CAPEX status of Q1 and Q2, Front-loading of CAPEX, estimated targets of capital spending by Ministries and their Central Public Sector Enterprises  in the upcoming quarters of current financial year, expenditure incurred for implementation of National Infrastructure Pipeline  projects, estimation of funds to be raised by asset monetization, projects undertaken through PPP and Convergence under National Master Plan  were discussed. Smt. Sitharaman reiterated that Ministries must pool in all efforts to ensure higher capital spending in coming months to achieve higher growth in the economy.
The Finance Minister exhorted officials to monitor implementation of projects besides monitoring release of funds. Smt. Sitharaman reiterated that infrastructure projects are priority for the Government and necessary funds will be made available for CAPEX.
Smt. Sitharaman underlined that the infrastructure spending includes not only Central Government budgetary expenditure on infrastructure, but also spending by State Governments and the private sector. The private CAPEX on infrastructure, and those under Public-Private Partnership should also be tracked to capture the entire infra progress in the country.
The Finance Minister also directed officials in the Department of Economic Affairs  to work in close coordination with Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure that more projects are initiated and CAPEX spending in FY23 is substantially increased than the present target. Smt. Sitharaman asked the Department of Telecommunications to push its CPSE CAPEX, fast-track asset monetization, and work in close coordination with DIPAM to finalise the process of monetization at the earliest, ensuring expeditious implementation of digital expansion plans in entire North-East region on priority.
Smt. Sitharaman enjoined the Secretaries concerned to push expenditure on infrastructure projects in current FY as well as plan for next FY.
Today's meeting is the first of series of review meetings by the Finance Minister on CAPEX with various infrastructure Ministries/ Departments and in continuation of previous round of meetings held in June, 2021.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Legal Age for Marriage
A Task Force has been constituted to examine the correlation of age of marriage and motherhood with  health, medical well-being and nutritional status of mother and neonate/infant/child, during pregnancy, birth and thereafter,  key parameters like Infant Mortality Rate , Maternal Mortality Rate , Total Fertility Rate , Sex Ratio at Birth , Child Sex Ratio  etc. and  any other relevant points pertaining to health and nutrition in this context.
The report of the Task Force has not been received by the Government.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Repayment of 10.70% GS 2020
The repayment of following securities is due as per details given below:
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Table: Details of GoI Securities maturing in the month of April, 2020
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Sl. No.
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Name of Security
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Scheduled Date of Repayment
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Effective date of Repayment
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No Interest Accrual from scheduled date of Repayment
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1.
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Repayment of 10.70% GS 2020
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April 22, 2020

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April 22, 2020

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April 22,2020

The outstanding balance under ’10.70% Government Security 2020’ will be repayable on the effective date of repayment as indicated in column 4 of above table. In the event of a holiday being declared on effective day of repayment by any State Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Loan/s will be repaid by the paying offices in that State on the previous working day.
As per sub-regulations 24 and 24 of Government Securities Regulations, 2007 payment of maturity proceeds to the registered holder of Government Security held in the form of Subsidiary General Ledger or Constituent Subsidiary General Ledger account or Stock Certificate shall be made by a pay order incorporating the relevant particulars of his bank account or by credit to the account of the holder in any bank having facility of receipt of funds through electronic means. For the purpose of making payment in respect of the securities, the original subscriber or the subsequent holders of such Government Securities, shall submit the relevant particulars of their bank account well in advance. However, in the absence of relevant particulars of bank account/mandate for receipt of funds through electronic means, to facilitate repayment of the Loan on the due date, holders may tender the securities, duly discharged, at the Public Debt Offices, Treasuries/Sub-Treasuries and branches of State Bank of India  20 days in advance of the due date for repayment.
Full details of the procedure for receiving the discharge value may be obtained from any of the aforesaid paying offices.
Prime Minister's Office
PM thanks Israeli PM for Diwali greetings
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has thanked Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Naftali Bennett for his Diwali greetings.
In a reply to Mr Bennett's tweet, Shri Modi tweeted:
"Thank you, my dear friend @naftalibennett for the wonderful greetings. Wishing you a Happy Diwali too."
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur calls on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur today called on Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region  MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed a wide range of development related issues pertaining to the Union Territory.
While discussing the various projects, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi accorded highest priority to Ladakh and other peripheral regions. He said, it was for the first time under the Modi government that Ladakh had been granted a University, a Medical College and an Engineering College.
Dr Jitendra Singh also informed the Lieutenant Governor that the Director General of CSIR  Dr.Shekhar Mande will soon meet Mathur and brief him about an exclusive plan to promote, process and do business in the famous Ladakh fruit product called “Ladakh berry''.
Shri Mathur gave Dr Jitendra Singh an update on the preparation of the policy and action plan for “Carbon Neutral” Ladakh as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He informed the Minister that the Union Territory government is earnestly working on a comprehensive plan which would be ready to be placed before the higher authorities. Mathur also gave an update about an inclusive action plan titled “Ladakh Vision 2050”.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to 50 Crore special development package for Ladakh and said this was for the first time that any Central government had been so liberal in funding the various projects for the region. He said, this will be the first of its kind roadmap devoted exclusively to the Ladakh region. Shri Mathur thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for his continuous support and for his day to day coordination in taking up various Ladakh related matters with different Ministries at the Centre.
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Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry CPSE’s Clock 28.33% Growth in Capex
The Ministry of Coal, through its CPSE’s have registered 28.33% YoY growth in capex achievement for the period ending December, 2021. As compared to last year achievement of Rs. 9822.28 Crore for period upto December, 2020, Coal Ministry CPSE’s have done capex of Rs. 12605.75 Crore, thereby giving a major impetus to the Covid struck economy. This capex achievement is also 75% of Coal Ministry’s annual target.
Ministry of Education
Union HRD Minister chairs the Consultation Workshop on 5-year Vision Document and National Education Policy
Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ chaired the national workshop on 5- year vision document and national education policy in New Delhi today. He addressed the Education Secretaries and other senior officials from the States and Union Territories  in this regard.
While addressing the participants, the Minister emphasised on the importance of education for the development of the nation. He requested all States & UTs to hold consultations within their States and provide their tentative comments on the policy document by 31st July 2019. The Minister will also be holding consultations with all State Education Ministers on the policy in August 2019. The Minister said education is the foundation for making a new Bharat which is competent, empowered and prosperous .
Shri Pokhriyal said that the States & UTs have taken various initiatives to improve the quality of school education and are in the process of launching many more such new steps. Since they actually run most of the schools, their involvement in the process of finalising the Vision document is very crucial. Therefore, it was decided to hold this consultation with them.
During the meeting, many valuable suggestions were made by the States and UTs. These will be passed on to NCERT for further collation and compilation.
All Ministries and Departments in the Government of India have been asked to prepare a specific measurable and outcome oriented 5-year Vision Document with annual sub-plans, timelines and mile stones.
Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Smt Rina Ray was also present on the occasion.